Benzodithiophene based copolymer containing thieno [3,4-b] thiophene units and preparing method and applications thereof

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a benzodithiophene based copolymer containing thieno[3,4-b]thiophene units and a preparing method and applications thereof. The polymer has a structural formula (I), wherein R 1  and R 2  are respectively selected from H, and alkyl groups of C 1  to C 16 ; R 3  and R 4  are respectively selected from H, alkyl groups of C 1  to C 16 , alkoxy groups of C 1  to C 16 , or thiophene groups substituted by alkyl groups of C 1  to C 16 ; R 5  is selected from alkyl groups of C 1  to C 16 ; n is a natural number from 7 to 80. Applications of the benzodithiophene based copolymer containing thieno[3,4-b]thiophene units in polymer solar cells, polymer organic light-emission, polymer organic field effect transistors, polymer organic optical storage, polymer organic nonlinear materials or polymer organic laser are also provided.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to the field of benzodithiophene based copolymer, more particularly relates to a benzodithiophene based copolymer containing thieno[3,4-b]thiophene units and preparing method and applications thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The organic solar cell, as a potential renewable energy, has attracted wide attention, which has some incomparable advantages better than inorganic solar cell, such as low cost, simple manufacturing process, light-weight, and it can be made flexibly in great area and so on. Over the past decade, the performance of the organic solar cell has improved, and the energy conversion efficiency is close to 10%.

The energy conversion efficiency of the organic solar cell has improved greatly; however, so far, the energy conversion efficiency of the organic solar cell is much lower than that of the inorganic solar cell. Therefore, in order to make the organic solar cell be implemented commercially, it is significant to develop a new organic semiconductor material for improving the efficiency of the organic solar cell.

In recent years, due to the development of the conjugated polymers in the design and the fabrication process of the device, the efficiency of the polymer solar cell has remarkably improved. In future, one challenge of the polymer solar cell is to synthesize a new P-type-conjugated polymer, which needs to have features of: (a) good solubility, which facilitates for processing and performing industrial production; (b) broad and strong absorption to the entire solar spectrum; (c) high carrier mobility, which facilitates for carrier transport. Researches have focused on broadening the light absorption range of the polymer materials and making the light absorption maximally cover the entire spectrum of solar light. Choosing an appropriate monomer in the semiconductor polymer backbone can broaden the light absorption range to infrared and near infrared. However, it fails to find such appropriate monomer in the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to provide a benzodithiophene based copolymer containing thieno[3,4-b]thiophene units, which is copolymerized by benzodithiophene monomers and thieno[3,4-b]thiophene monomers, the absorption band-edge shifts towards the infrared and near infrared region for better matching the emission spectrum of the sunlight.

The present invention is also directed to provide a method for preparing a benzodithiophene based copolymer containing thieno[3,4-b]thiophene units.

The present invention is also directed to uses of benzodithiophene based copolymer containing thieno[3,4-b]thiophene units in polymer solar cells, organic electroluminescent devices, organic field effect transistors, organic optical storage, organic non-linear devices, or organic laser.

A benzodithiophene based copolymer containing thieno[3,4-b]thiophene units has a structural formula:

wherein R₁ and R₂ are selected from the group consisting of H, and C₁ to C₁₆ alkyl, respectively; R₃ and R₄ are selected from the group consisting of H, C₁ to C₁₆ alkyl, C₁ to C₁₆ alkoxy, and thienyl substituted by C₁ to C₁₆ alkyl, respectively; R₅ is C₁ to C₁₆ alkyl; n is a natural number from 7 to 80.

In the benzodithiophene based copolymer, the alkyl is a linear alkyl or branched alkyl; the alkoxy is a linear alkoxy or branched alkoxy.

In the benzodithiophene based copolymer, n is a natural number from 8 to 60.

In the benzodithiophene based copolymer, R₁ is the same as R₂, and/or R₃ is the same as R₄.

In the benzodithiophene based copolymer, R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄ and R₅ are selected from a combination of: R₁ and R₂ are H, R₃ and R₄ are methyl, R₅ is n-butyl; or R₁, R₂, R₃, and R₄ are H, R₅ is methyl; or R₁ is ethyl, R₂ is pentyl, R₃ is H, R₄ is 3-methyl thienyl, R₅ is 2-methyl butyl; or R₁ and R₂ are identical propyl, R₃ is 12 alkyl, R₄ is ethoxyl, R₅ is 2,4-dimethyl-3-ethyl heptyl; or R₁ is butyl, R₂ is 12 alkyl, R₃ is 14 alkoxy, R₄ is octyl, R₅ is 2,2,4-trimethyl pentyl; or R₁ and R₂ are identical H, R₃ is octoxy, R₄ is H, R₅ is 16 alkyl; or R₁ is hexyl, R₂ is H, R₃ is 2-methyl thienyl, R₄ is H, R₅ is octyl; or R₁ is 16 alkyl, R₂ is H, R₃ is methoxyl, R₄ is H, R₅ is methyl; or R₁ is H, R₂ is methyl, R₃ is 16 alkoxy, R₄ is H, R₅ is butyl; or R₁ and R₂ are identical methyl, R₃ is 16 alkoxy, R₄ is H, R₅ is butyl; or R₁ and R₂ are identical H, R₃ is hexyl, R₄ is H, R₅ is butyl; or R₁ and R₂ are identical H, R₃ is methyl, R₄ is H, R₅ is butyl; or R₁ and R₂ are identical H, R₃ and R₄ are identical H, R₅ is butyl.

A method for preparing a benzodithiophene based copolymer containing thieno[3,4-b]thiophene units includes the steps of:

adding M1 and M2 to a solvent in an oxygen-free environment;

performing a refluxing reaction in the presence of catalyst; the reaction formula is as follows:

wherein R₁ and R₂ are selected from the group consisting of H, and C₁ to C₁₆ alkyl, respectively; R₃ and R₄ are selected from the group consisting of H, C₁ to C₁₆ alkyl, C₁ to C₁₆ alkoxy, and thienyl substituted by C₁ to C₁₆ alkyl, respectively; R₅ is C₁ to C₁₆ alkyl; n is a natural number from 7 to 80; wherein a molar ratio between M1 and M2 is 1:1 to 1.5:1; the solvent is at least one selected from the group consisting of toluene, tetrahydrofuran, benzene, and N,N-dimethylformamide; the catalyst is organic palladium or a mixture of organic palladium and organic phosphine ligand, a molar amount of the catalyst is 0.01% to 5% of the molar amount of the M2; the organic palladium is Pd₂(dba)₃, Pd(PPh₃)₄ or Pd(PPh₃)₂Cl₂, a molar ratio between the organic palladium and the organic phosphine ligand in the mixture is 1:2 to 1:20; the organic phosphine ligand is P(o-Tol)₃ or tricyclohexylphosphine; the reaction is performed at a temperature ranging from 60° C. to 120° C. for 12 to 72 hours.

In the method, M1 is synthesized by the steps of:

S1, dissolving a compound A with a proper amount of dichloromethane to form a solution, under a nitrogen atmosphere, adding the solution dropwise to anhydrous dichloromethane containing 1,3-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide and 4-dimethylaminopyridine by a syringe; wherein a molar ratio of the compound A, the 1,3-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide, and the 4-dimethylaminopyridine is 3:3:1, the reaction is performed for 8 to 24 hours to obtain a compound B, the reaction formula is as follows:

S2, adding the compound B and the compound C to a solvent according a molar ratio of 1:1, the solvent is ethanol or propanol; heating to 78° C. to 100° C. to perform a refluxing reaction, then adding a reducing agent, and reacting for additional 10 minutes to obtain a compound D; the reducing agent is potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide, a molar ratio between the reducing agent and the compound B is 5:1; the reaction is performed for additional 10 minutes to obtain the compound D after the reaction solution becomes dark green;

S3, under a nitrogen atmosphere, dissolving the compound D to anhydrous tetrahydrofuran and cooling to −78° C.; adding an n-hexane solution containing n-butyllithium slowly, a molar ratio between the n-butyllithium (n-BuLi) and the compound D is 1:2.5; reacting under stirring at a temperature of −78° C. for 2 hours; then adding trimethyl tin chloride, a molar ratio between the trimethyl tin chloride (Me₃SnLi) and the compound D is 2.5:1; incubating for 0.5 hours and then returning to room temperature; and reacting for additional 24 hours to obtain the compound M1; the reaction formula is as follows:

In the method, the alkyl is a linear alkyl or branched alkyl; the alkoxy is a linear alkoxy or branched alkoxy, n is a natural number from 8 to 60.

In the method, R₁ is the same as R₂, and/or R₃ is the same as R₄; or R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄ and R₅ are selected from a combination of: R₁ and R₂ are H, R₃ and R₄ are methyl, R₅ is n-butyl; or R₁, R₂, R₃, and R₄ are H, R₅ is methyl; or R₁ is ethyl, R₂ is pentyl, R₃ is H, R₄ is 3-methyl thienyl, R₅ is 2-methyl butyl; or R₁ and R₂ are identical propyl, R₃ is 12 alkyl, R₄ is ethoxyl, R₅ is 2,4-dimethyl-3-ethyl heptyl; or R₁ is butyl, R₂ is 12 alkyl, R₃ is 14 alkoxy, R₄ is octyl, R₅ is 2,2,4-trimethyl pentyl; or R₁ and R₂ are identical H, R₃ is octoxy, R₄ is H, R₅ is 16 alkyl; or R₁ is hexyl, R₂ is H, R₃ is 2-methyl thienyl, R₄ is H, R₅ is octyl; or R₁ is 16 alkyl, R₂ is H, R₃ is methoxyl, R₄ is H, R₅ is methyl; or R₁ is H, R₂ is methyl, R₃ is 16 alkoxy, R₄ is H, R₅ is butyl; or R₁ and R₂ are identical methyl, R₃ is 16 alkoxy, R₄ is H, R₅ is butyl; or R₁ and R₂ are identical H, R₃ is hexyl, R₄ is H, R₅ is butyl; or R₁ and R₂ are identical H, R₃ is methyl, R₄ is H, R₅ is butyl; or R₁ and R₂ are identical H, R₃ and R₄ are identical H, R₅ is butyl.

Uses of the benzodithiophene based copolymer containing thieno[3,4-b]thiophene units according to any one in polymer solar cells, polymer organic electroluminescent devices, polymer organic field effect transistors, polymer organic optical storage, polymer organic non-linear devices, or polymer organic laser.

An appropriate monomer is selected for the semiconductor polymer backbone, which is beneficial to broaden the light absorption range to infrared and near infrared. In the benzodithiophene based copolymer containing thieno[3,4-b]thiophene units, an electron-rich donor and an electron-deficient acceptor unit are introduced to the polymer backbone; the energy gap of the conjugated polymer is reduced due to the “push—pull electrons” interaction of the donor and acceptor, thus the absorption band shifts towards low energy band of the infrared and near infrared. In the benzodithiophene derivatives, two thiophenes are connected in one plane by fused ring, its planarity and rigidity are enhanced, the copolymer has high optical, thermal and environmental stabilities. The central benzene ring decreases the electron-rich number of the thiophene rings located on two sides, thus the copolymer has much lower highest occupied orbital (HOMO) level. The π-π stackings between the π-bonds have much higher carrier mobility due to the existence of the extended conjugated π-bonds system. Therefore, the copolymer can be widely applied in the fields of organic electronics and so on; it can also be used to develop organic solar cell with low cost and high efficiency.

The main advantages of the present disclosure also include:

1. The synthetic routes of the benzodithiophene monomer M1 and thieno[3,4-b]thiophene monomer M2 are simple and mature, the introduction of the alkyl can improve the solubility and molecular weight of the product, thus the obtained polymer or oligomer can be spin-coated;

2. The benzodithiophene monomer M1 is a kind of excellent donor material and the thieno[3,4-b]thiophene monomer M2 is a kind of excellent receptor material, the polymer composed of the monomers M1 and M2 can form a donor—acceptor structure, on one hand, the stability of the material is improved, on the other hand, the band-gap of the material is reduced, thus the solar absorption range is broadened, and the photoelectric conversion efficiency is improved;

3. Stille coupling reaction is a very mature polymerization, it has high yield and mild conditions, and it is easy to control.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic structure view of the organic solar cell according to example 9;

FIG. 2 is a schematic structure view of the organic electroluminescent device according to example 10; and

FIG. 3 is a schematic structure view of the organic field effect transistor according to example 11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Some preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail referring to the drawings.

A benzodithiophene based copolymer containing thieno[3,4-b]thiophene units is provided. First of all, a cyclopentadienyl ring of an inner ketone structure is fused on the benzene ring, which can enhance the planarity and conjugation of the fused ring system. Therefore, the carrier mobility of the polymer is enhanced. Meanwhile, thiophene rings are introduced to both sides of the cyclopentadienone, and the alkyls are introduced to 3 and 4 sites of the thiophene to increase its solubility. The benzothiophene monomer is copolymerized with thieno[3,4-b]thiophene monomer of the strong receptor, and a “weak donor—strong acceptor” copolymer molecule is formed, which helps to reduce the optical energy gap, expand the light absorption range of the material, and improve sunlight utilization of the material.

In an embodiment, the benzodithiophene based copolymer containing thieno[3,4-b]thiophene units has a structural formula:

wherein R₁ and R₂ are identical or different, R₁ and R₂ are H or C₁ to C₁₆ alkyl, including linear alkyl or branched alkyl; or R₁ and R₂ are cycloalkyl. R₃ and R₄ are identical or different, R₃ and R₄ are H, C₁ to C₁₆ alkyl, C₁ to C₁₆ alkoxy, or thienyl substituted by C₁ to C₁₆ alkyl; R₅ is C₁ to C₁₆ linear alkyl or branched alkyl; n is a natural number from 8 to 60.

In another embodiment, a method for preparing a benzodithiophene based copolymer containing thieno[3,4-b]thiophene units is provided, the reaction formula is as follows:

The method includes the steps of:

M1 and M2 are added to a solvent in an oxygen-free environment;

a refluxing reaction is performed in the presence of catalyst; and the benzodithiophene based copolymer containing thieno[3,4-b]thiophene units is obtained. A molar ratio between M1 and M2 is 1:1 to 1.5:1; in an embodiment, the molar ratio between M1 and M2 is 1.12:1, 1.2:1, 1.3:1, 1.35:1, 1.4:1 or 1.48:1 and so on.

In an embodiment, M2 is 4,6-dibromo-2-(1-octanone)-thieno[3,4-b]thiophene or 4,6-dibromo-2-(1-(2-ethylhexan-1-one))-thieno[3,4-b]thiophene and the like, which is depended on the R₅, the preparation is referred to the method in the prior art.

Preferably, M1 and M2 are added to the solvent in an oxygen-free environment, and the refluxing reaction is performed in the presence of the catalyst. In an embodiment, the reaction is performed under a nitrogen atmosphere or under an inert gas atmosphere, such as nitrogen.

R₁ and R₂ are selected from H or C₁ to C₁₆ alkyl, respectively. In an embodiment, R₁ and R₂ are selected from H or C₁ to C₁₆ linear alkyl or branched alkyl, respectively, such as hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, propyl, n-pentyl, 2-methyl butyl, isobutyl, 4-methyl heptyl and the like. The repeating structural units of the benzodithiophene based copolymer are included in the parenthesis, the symbol of “*” represents a constitutional repeating unit connecting to the next unit.

R₃ and R₄ are selected from H, C₁ to C₁₆ alkyl, C₁ to C₁₆ alkoxy, or thienyl substituted by C₁ to C₁₆ alkyl, respectively. In an embodiment, R₃ and R₄ are selected from H, C₁ to C₁₆ linear alkyl or branched alkyl, C₁ to C₁₆ linear alkoxyl or branched alkoxyl, or thienyl substituted by C₁ to C₁₆ linear alkyl or thienyl substituted by C₁ to C₁₆ branched alkyl, respectively; such as hydrogen, n-pentyl, isobutyl, 4-methyl heptyl, 2-methyl 4-ethyl nonyl, iso-propoxy, n-pentyloxy, thienyl, 2-methyl thienyl, 3-ethylene-thienyl, etc.

R₅ is C₁ to C₁₆ alkyl. In an embodiment, R₅ is C₁ to C₁₆ linear alkyl or branched alkyl, such as methyl, ethyl, n-pentyl, isobutyl, 4-methyl heptyl, 2-methyl 4-ethyl nonyl, and the like.

n is a natural number from 7 to 80. In an embodiment, n is a natural number from 8 to 60. Alternatively, n is a natural number from 10 to 50, or n is a natural number from 15 to 45. In an embodiment, n is 18, 20, 24, 25, 26, 27, 29, 31, 33, 35, 36, 38, 42 and the like. Generally, the ratio of reactants and/or reaction time are depended on the subsequent product application, accordingly, the degree of polymerization is adjusted.

The solvent is at least one selected from the group consisting of toluene, tetrahydrofuran, benzene, and N,N-dimethylformamide. The solvent is sufficient, which generally means that the solvent can completely dissolve the solute, or the solvent is enough for the reaction etc. In an embodiment, the solvent is toluene, tetrahydrofuran, benzene, and N,N-dimethylformamide, alternatively, the solvent is a mixed solvent of toluene and tetrahydrofuran with a molar ratio form 1:1 to 1.5:1; alternatively, the solvent is a mixed solvent of toluene, tetrahydrofuran and benzene with a molar ratio from 1:1:1 to 2:1:2 et al. Preferably, the solvent is a mixed solvent of toluene, tetrahydrofuran, benzene, and N,N-dimethylformamide with a molar ratio of 1:1:1:1 or a mixed solvent of toluene and benzene with a molar ratio of 1:1. Usually, the reaction is performed in an oxygen-free environment; in an embodiment, the reaction is performed under nitrogen environment. Alternatively, the reaction is performed via filling with nitrogen or inert gas.

The catalyst is organic palladium or a mixture of organic palladium and organic phosphine ligand, the molar amount of the catalyst is 0.01%/˜5% of the molar amount of the M2. The organic palladium is Pd₂(dba)₃, Pd(PPh₃)₄ or Pd(PPh₃)₂Cl₂, a molar ratio between the organic palladium and the organic phosphine ligand in the mixture is 1:2 to 1:20. In an embodiment, the catalyst is organic palladium or a mixture of organic palladium and organic phosphine ligand, the molar amount of the catalyst is 0.01%˜5% of the molar amount of the M2. The organic phosphine ligand is P(o-Tol)₃ or tricyclohexylphosphine or a combination thereof. In an embodiment, the molar amount of the catalyst is 0.1%, 0.12%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.45%, 0.67%, 0.8%, 1.1% or 2.3% of the molar amount of the M2. The organic palladium is Pd₂(dba)₃, Pd(PPh₃)₄ or Pd(PPh₃)₂Cl₂. A molar ratio between the organic palladium and organic phosphine ligand in the mixture is 1:2 to 1:20. In an embodiment, a molar ratio between the organic palladium and organic phosphine ligand in the mixture is 1:2.5, 1:3, 1:5, 1:6.8, 1:8, 1:9, 1:11, 1:14, 1:18 or 1:19.5. In an embodiment, a molar ratio between the Pd₂(dba)₃ and P(o-Tol)₃ is 1:3 or 1:2.

The reaction is performed at a temperature ranging from 60° C. to 120° C. for 12 to 72 hours. In an embodiment, the reaction temperature is 61° C., 65° C., 72° C., 78° C., 80.5° C., 87° C., 91° C., 105° C. or 119° C. The reaction time is 12.5 hours, 14 hours, 22 hours, 24 hours, 28 hours, 37 hours, 44 hours, 49 hours, 56 hours, 64 hours or 71 hours. Preferably, the reaction temperature and reaction time are mutual depended to each other, when the reaction temperature is high, then the reaction time is relatively reduced, which can be adjusted according to actual situation.

In an embodiment, M1 is synthesized by the steps of:

Step one, the compound A is dissolved with an appropriate amount of dichloromethane to form a solution, under a nitrogen atmosphere, the solution is added to anhydrous dichloromethane containing DCC (1,3-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide) and DMPA (4-dimethylaminopyridine) dropwise by a syringe, wherein a molar ratio of the compound A, DDC and DMAP is 3:3:1, the reaction is performed over night to obtain the product of the compound B, the reaction formula is as follows:

In an embodiment, the reaction is performed for 8 to 24 hours. In an embodiment, the molar ratio of A, DCC and DMAP is 3.5:3:1, 3:3:1.5, or 2:2.2:1. Alternatively, the reaction is performed for 8.5 hours, 9 hours, 11 hours, 15.5 hours, 18 hours or 22 hours, etc.

Step two: the compound B and the compound C are added to the solvent with a molar ratio of 1.0:1.0, then heated to 78° C. to 100° C. to perform a refluxing reaction, and an appropriate amount of potassium hydroxide/sodium hydroxide is added, wherein a molar ratio of the potassium hydroxide/sodium hydroxide and the compound B is 5:1. The reaction is performed for additional 8 to 12 minutes after the reaction solution becomes dark green, preferably for 10 minutes, the product is obtained, i.e. the compound D. The solvent is ethanol, propanol, etc. The reaction formula is as follows:

In an embodiment, a molar ratio of the compound B and the compound C is 1:1, the compound B and the compound C are added to ethanol, propanol or a mixture thereof. In an embodiment, a molar ratio of the ethanol and the propanol is 1:1, 2:1, 1:2 etc. The solution is heated to 78° C. to 100° C. for refluxing. In an embodiment, the solution is uniformly heated to 80° C., 85° C., 90° C., 91° C., 96° C. or 99° C. for refluxing reaction. A reducing agent is added prior to heating, during heating or when the temperature is more than 78° C. Preferably, the reducing agent is added when the temperature is more than 78° C. In an embodiment, the reducing agent is sodium hydroxide, the molar ratio of the sodium hydroxide and the compound B is 5:1.

Step three: under a nitrogen atmosphere, the anhydrous tetrahydrofuran solution of the compound D is cooled to −78° C., then n-BuLi(n-butyllithium) solution is slowly added, a molar ratio of the n-BuLi and the compound D is 1:2.5. The reaction is performed for 2 hours at −78° C. in stirring, then the trimethyl tin chloride reagent is added, a molar ratio of Me₃SnCl and D is 2.5:1, the reaction solution returns to room temperature after incubating for 0.5 hours, and then reaction is performed for additional 24 hours, the product is obtained, i.e. the compound M1; the reaction formula is as follows:

In an embodiment, R₁ and R₂ are identical, and R₃ and R₄ are identical. Alternatively, R₁ and R₂ are identical, R₃ and R₄ are different. Alternatively, R₁ and R₂ are different, R₃ and R₄ are identical. Alternatively, R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, and R₅ are selected a combination from the group consisting: R₁ and R₂ are H, R₃ and R₄ are methyl, R₅ is n-butyl; alternatively, R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄ are H, R₅ is methyl; alternatively, R₁ is ethyl, R₂ is pentyl, R₃ is H, R₄ is 3-methyl thienyl, R₅ is 2-methyl butyl; alternatively, R₁ and R₂ are identical propyl, R₃ is 12 alkyl; R₄ is ethoxyl; R₅ is 2,4-dimethyl-3-ethyl heptyl; alternatively, R₁ is butyl, R₂ is 12 alkyl, R₃ is 14 alkoxy, R₄ is octyl, R₅ is 2,2,4-trimethyl pentyl; alternatively, R₁ and R₂ are identical H, R₃ is octoxy, R₄ is H, R₅ is 16 alkyl; alternatively, R₁ is hexyl, R₂ is H, R₃ is 2-methyl thienyl, R₄ is H, R₅ is octyl; alternatively, R₁ is 16 alkyl, R₂ is H; R₃ is methoxyl; R₄ is H, R₅ is methyl; alternatively, R₁ is H, R₂ is methyl, R₃ is 16 alkoxy, R₄ is H, R₅ is butyl; alternatively, R₁ and R₂ are identical methyl, R₃ is 16 alkoxy, R₄ is H, R₅ is butyl; alternatively, R₁ and R₂ are identical H, R₃ is hexyl; R₄ is H, R₅ is butyl; alternatively, R₁ and R₂ are identical H, R₃ is methyl, R₄ is H, R₅ is butyl; alternatively, R₁ and R₂ are identical H, R₃ and R₄ are identical H, R₅ is butyl.

In an embodiment, the benzodithiophene based copolymer containing thieno [3,4-b]thiophene units has the following structural formula:

wherein R₁ and R₂ are identical or different, and R₁ and R₂ are selected from the group consisting of H, and C₁ to C₁₆ alkyl, respectively; R₃ and R₄ are identical or different, R₃ and R₄ are selected from the group consisting of H, C₁ to C₁₆ alkyl, C₁ to C₁₆ alkoxy, or thienyl substituted by C₁ to C₁₆ alkyl, respectively; R₅ is C₁ to C₁₆ linear alkyl or branched alkyl; n is a natural number from 8 to 60.

In an embodiment, R₁ and R₂ are selected from the group consisting of H and C₁ to C₁₆ alkyl, respectively. In an embodiment, R₁ and R₂ are selected from the group consisting of H and C₁ to C₁₆ linear or branched alkyl, respectively; such as hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, propyl, n-pentyl, 2-methylbutyl, isobutyl, 4-methyl heptyl, decyl, linear or branched 12 alky, linear or branched 16 alkyl and the like. The repeating structural units of the benzodithiophene based copolymer are included in the parenthesis, the symbol * represents a constitutional repeating unit connecting to the next unit.

R₃ and R₄ are selected from the group consisting of H, C₁ to C₁₆ alkyl, C₁ to C₁₆ alkoxy, and thienyl substituted by C₁ to C₁₆ alkyl, respectively. In an embodiment, R₃ and R₄ are selected from the group consisting of H, C₁ to C₁₆ linear alkyl or branched alkyl, C₁ to C₁₆ linear alkoxy or branched alkoxy, and thienyl substituted by C₁ to C₁₆ linear alkyl or branched alkyl, respectively; such hydrogen, n-pentyl, isobutyl, 4-methyl heptyl, 2-methyl 4-ethyl nonyl, iso-propoxy, n-pentyloxy, thienyl, 2-methylthienyl, 3-ethylene-thienyl, etc.

R₅ is C₁ to C₁₆ alkyl. In an embodiment, R₅ is C₁ to C₁₆ linear or branched alkyl, such as methyl, ethyl, n-pentyl, isobutyl, 4-methyl heptyl, 2-methyl 4-ethyl nonyl, and the like.

In an embodiment, the alkyl in the aforementioned embodiments is partially or fully fluorinated.

n is a natural number from 7 to 80. In an embodiment, n is a natural number from 8 to 60. Alternatively, n is a natural number from 10 to 50, or n is a natural number from 15 to 45. In an embodiment, n is 18, 20, 24, 25, 26, 27, 29, 31, 33, 35, 36, 38, 42 and the like. Generally, the ratio of reactants and/or the reaction time are depended on the applications of the subsequent products; accordingly, the degree of polymerization is adjusted.

In the aforementioned embodiments, R₁ and R₂ are identical, and R₃ and R₄ are identical. Alternatively, R₁ and R₂ are identical, R₃ and R₄ are different. Alternatively, R₁ and R₂ are different, R₃ and R₄ are identical.

In an embodiment, in the benzodithiophene based copolymer, R₁ and R₂ are H, R₃ and R₄ are methyl, R₄ is methyl, R₅ is n-butyl. Alternatively, R₁, R₂, R₃, and R₄ are H, R₅ is methyl.

In an embodiment, the structural formula is as follows:

wherein R₁ is ethyl, R₂ is pentyl, R₃ is H, R₄ is 3-methyl thienyl, R₅ is 2-methyl butyl. In an embodiment, R₂ is n-pentyl or isopentyl, i.e. linear alkyl and branched alkyl are suitable (similarly hereinafter). In an embodiment, the structural formula is as follows:

wherein R₁ and R₂ are identical propyl, R₃ is 12 alkyl, R₄ is ethoxyl, R₅ is 2,4-dimethyl-3-ethyl heptyl.

In an embodiment, the structural formula is as follows:

wherein R₁ is butyl, R₂ is 12 alkyl, R₃ is 14 alkoxy, R₄ is octyl, R₅ is 2,2,4 trimethyl pentyl.

For a better understanding of the present disclosure, the technical solution of the present disclosure is further illustrated by the specific examples.

Example 1

A benzodithiophene based copolymer containing thieno[3,4-b]thiophene units having a following structural formula is provided:

wherein R₁ and R₂ are identical H, R₃ is octoxy, R₄ is H, R₅ is 16 alkyl, n=60.

The preparation of the benzodithiophene based copolymer containing thieno[3,4-b]thiophene units includes the steps of:

Step one, the preparation of 1,3-bis(2-thiophene) acetone was described below.

First, 7.6 g (36.8 mmol) of DCC and 1.23 g (10 mmol) of DMAP were dissolved in 70 mL of dichloromethane via anhydrous treatment to form a reaction solution; under a nitrogen atmosphere, 70 mL of dichloromethane solution containing 5 g (35.2 mmol) of 2-thiophene acetic acid was added dropwise to the reaction solution, the reaction was performed overnight. After the reaction was finished, the reaction solution was filtered, recrystallized with n-hexane for twice, and purified by column chromatography to obtain a product.

MALDI-TOF-MS (Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry) mass-to-charge ratio (m/z) was 222.3 (M⁺).

For example, the dichloromethane was treated with calcium chloride or potassium carbonate to obtain anhydrous dichloromethane, then stirred and kept overnight, and distilled.

Step two, the preparation of 2,7-dioctyloxybenzo[1,2-b:4,3-b′]dithiophene-4,5-diketone was described below:

25.4 g (i.e. 60 mmol) of 4,4′-bis(2-octyloxy)thiophene was added to 400 mL of dry 1,2-dichloroethane, i.e. 25.4 g (i.e. 60 mmol) of 4,4′-bis(2-octyloxy)thiophene was added to a reaction flask having 400 mL of 1,2-dichloroethane or 400 mL of 1,2-dichloroethane via dry treatment, similarly hereinafter; then 3 mL(i.e. 34.5 mmol) of oxalyl chloride was added to the reaction flask for three times within 5 days, and the refluxing reaction was performed for 15 days under an argon atmosphere. After the reaction was finished, the reaction solution was cooled to room temperature; and frozen overnight in the refrigerator; then filtered to obtain a red solid, and the red solid was washed with n-hexane and ethanol successively to obtain a product.

MALDI-TOF-MS (m/z) was 477.0 (M⁺)

In an embodiment, 1 mL of oxalyl chloride was added on the first day, 1 mL of oxalyl chloride was added on the third day, 1 mL of oxalyl chloride was added on the fifth day. Alternatively, 1 mL of oxalyl chloride was added on the first day, 0.5 mL of oxalyl chloride was added on the second day, 1.5 mL of oxalyl chloride was added on the fifth day. Alternatively, 0.5 mL of oxalyl chloride was added on the first day, 1 mL of oxalyl chloride was added on the third day, 1.5 mL of oxalyl chloride was added on the fifth day.

Step three, the preparation of 2,5-dioctyloxy-7,9-bis(2-thiophene)-8H-cyclopentadienebenzo[1,2-b:4,3-b′]dithiophene-8-ketone was described below:

1.2 g (5.4 mmol) of 1,3-bis(2-thiophene) acetone, 2.7 g (5.4 mmol) of 2,7-dioctyloxy-4,5-diketone, and 40 mL of ethanol were successively added to 250 mL of a single flask, and then heated for refluxing. A small amount of potassium hydroxide was dissolved in 2 mL of ethanol; then added to the reaction flask dropwise via a syringe. When the reaction solution turned dark green, the reaction was performed for additional 10 minutes and then stopped; the reaction solution was poured into an ice-water bath. The reaction solution was filtrated, and washed with ethanol, hot n-hexane for several times, and dried to obtain a solid product. In an embodiment, the temperature of the n-hexane was the same as the reaction temperature, or the difference between the temperature of the n-hexane and the reaction temperature was 5° C. Alternatively, a molar ratio of the potassium hydroxide and the 1,3-bis(2-thiophene) acetone was 5:1.

MALDI-TOF-MS (m/z): 679.0 (M⁺).

Step four, the preparation of 2,5-dioctyloxy-7,9-bis(2-trimethyltin-5-thiophen)-8H-cyclopentadiene benzo[1,2-b:4,3-b′]dithiophene-8-ketone was described below:

Under a nitrogen atmosphere, 6.79 g (10 mmol) of the 2,5-dioctyloxy-7,9-bis(2-thiophene)-8H-cyclopentadiene benzo[1,2-b:4,3-b′]dithiophene-8-ketone and 120 mL of anhydrous THF were cooled to −78° C.; then 5 mL (12 mmol) of n-butyllithium in 2.5M hexane solution was slowly added, after that, the reaction solution was incubated at −78° C. for 2 hours; then 4.5 mL (15 mmol) of trimethyl tin chloride was added, the reaction solution naturally returned to room temperature after incubating for 0.5 hours, then the reaction was performed for additional 24 hours and stopped. 50 mL of hexane was added for dilution, then the reaction solution was slowly poured into ice water, an organic phase product was obtained by extraction, the organic phase product was washed with 5% NaHCO₃ and saturated NaCl solution, respectively, then dried with anhydrous magnesium sulfate, filtrated, evaporated, and distilled under reduced pressure, excess trimethyl tin chloride was distilled out and a product was obtained.

MALDI-TOF-MS (m/z): 1004.6 (M⁺).

Step five, the preparation of benzodithiophene based copolymer containing thieno[3,4-b]thiophene units was described below:

Under a nitrogen atmosphere, 0.5 g (0.5 mmol) of 2,5-dioctyloxy-7,9-bis(2-trimethyltin-5-thiophen)-8H-cyclopentadiene benzo[1,2-b:4,3-b′]dithiophene-8-ketone and 0.28 g (0.5 mmol) of 4,6-dibromo-2-(1-(2-pentyl dodecanone)) thieno[3,4-b]thiophene (corresponding to the structural formula in the above equation, hereinafter similarly) were added to a reaction flask containing 10 mL of dry toluene, the reaction mixture was stirred under a stream of nitrogen for 15 minutes, and a catalyst of Pd₂(dba)₃ and P(o-Tol)₃ was added rapidly to the reaction flask; wherein Pd₂(dba)₃ was 23 mg (0.025 mmol, 5% mol); P(o-Tol)₃ was 152 mg (0.5 mmol); a molar ratio of Pd₂(dba)₃ and P(o-Tol)₃ was 1:20.

After the reaction mixture was stirred under a stream of nitrogen for 15 minutes, the reaction mixture was heated to 80° C. for refluxing, and the reaction solution was stirred for 72 hours then the reaction was stopped, after the reaction solution was cooled to room temperature, the reaction solution was dried to about 5 mL via reduced pressure distillation, then dropped into 300 mL of dry methanol, and continuously stirred for about 4 hours, a solid was gradually precipitated, a solid powder was obtained via suction filtration and dry. The solid powder was dissolved with chloroform, purified by neutral alumina column chromatography to remove the catalyst of Pd₂(dba)₃, the polymer solution was evaporated to about 5 mL, and the 5 mL solution was dropped into a methanol solvent and stirred for several hours, finally a polymer was collected and dried, the polymer was extracted with Soxhlet extractor, thus the monodispersity of the polymer molecular weight was improved.

The molecular weight was tested via Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC). GPC: Mn=64920, Polydispersity coefficient index (PDI)=1.5.

Example 2

A benzodithiophene based copolymer containing thieno[3,4-b]thiophene units having a following structural formula is provided:

wherein R₁ is hexyl, R₂ is H, R₃ is 2-methyl thienyl; R₄ is H, R₅ is octyl, n=55.

The preparation of the benzodithiophene based copolymer containing thieno [3,4-b]thiophene units includes the steps of:

Step one, the preparation of bis(4-dihexyl-2-thiophene) acetone was described below.

First, 7.6 g of DCC and 1.23 g of DMAP were dissolved in 70 mL of dichloromethane via anhydrous treatment to form a reaction solution; under a nitrogen atmosphere, 60 mL of dichloromethane solution containing 7.6 g of 4-hexyl-2-thiophene acetic acid was added to the reaction solution, the reaction was performed overnight. After the reaction was finished, the reaction solution was filtered, recrystallized with n-hexane for twice, and purified by column chromatography to obtain a product.

MALDI-TOF-MS (m/z): 391 (M⁺)

Step two, the preparation of 2,7-bis(2-methyl-5-thiophen)benzo[1,2-b:4,3-b′]dithiophene-4,5-diketone was described below:

21.5 g (60 mmol) of 4,4′-bis(2-methyl-5-thiophen)thiophene was added to 350 mL of dry 1,2-dichloroethane, then 3 mL (34.5 mmol) of oxalyl chloride was added to the reaction flask for three times within 5 days, and the refluxing reaction was performed under an argon atmosphere for 15 days. After the reaction was finished, the reaction solution was cooled to room temperature; and frozen overnight in the refrigerator; then filtered to obtain a red solid; then the red solid was washed with n-hexane and ethanol successively to obtain a product.

MALDI-TOF-MS (m/z): 413.0 (M⁺).

Step three, the preparation of 2,5-bis(2-methyl-5-thiophen)-7,9-bis(4-hexyl-2-thiophene)-8H-cyclopentadiene benzo[1,2-b:4,3-b′]dithiophene-8-ketone was described below:

2.1 g (5.4 mmol) of bis(4-hexyl-2-thiophene) acetone, 2.2 g (5.4 mmol) of 2,7-bis(2-methyl-5-thiophen)benzo[1,2-b:4,3-b′]dithiophene-4,5-diketone, and 60 mL of ethanol were successively added to 250 mL of single flask, and then heated for refluxing. A small amount of potassium hydroxide was dissolved in 2 mL of ethanol; then added to the reaction flask dropwise via a syringe. When the reaction solution turned dark green, the reaction was performed for additional 10 minutes and then stopped; the reaction solution was poured into an ice-water bath, then the reaction solution was filtrated, and washed with ethanol, hot n-hexane for several times, and dried to obtain a solid product.

MALDI-TOF-MS (m/z): 765.0 (M⁺).

Step four, the preparation of 2,5-bis(2-methyl-5-thiophen)-7,9-bis(4-hexyl-2-trimethyltin-5-thiophen)-81H-cyclopentadiene benzo[1,2-b:4,3-b′]dithiophene-8-ketone was described below:

Under a nitrogen atmosphere, 7.65 g (10 mmol) of the 2,5-bis(2-methyl-5-thiophen)-7,9-bis(4-hexyl-2-thiophene)-8H-cyclopentadiene benzo[1,2-b:4,3-b′]dithiophene-8-ketone and 150 mL of anhydrous THF were cooled to −78° C. 5 mL (12 mmol) of n-butyllithium of hexane solution (2.5M) was slowly added, after that, the reaction solution was incubated at −78° C. for 2 hours; then 4.5 mL (15 mmol) of trimethyl tin chloride was added, the reaction solution was naturally recovered to room temperature after incubating for 0.5 hours, the reaction was performed for additional 24 hours and then stopped. 50 mL of hexane was added for dilution, then the reaction solution was slowly poured into ice water, an organic phase product was obtained by extraction, the organic phase product was washed with 5% NaHCO₃ and saturated NaCl solution, respectively, then dried with anhydrous magnesium sulfate, filtrated, evaporated, and distilled under reduced pressure, excess trimethyl tin chloride was distilled out and a product was obtained.

MALDI-TOF-MS (m/z): 1093 (M⁺).

Step five, the preparation of benzodithiophene based copolymer containing thieno[3,4-b]thiophene units was described below:

Under a nitrogen atmosphere, 0.82 g (0.75 mmol) of 2,5-bis(2-methyl-5-thiophen)-7,9-bis(4-hexyl-2-trimethyltin-5-thiophen)-8H-cyclopentadiene benzo[1,2-b:4,3-b′]dithiophene-8-ketone and 0.22 g (0.5 mmol) of 4,6-dibromo-2-(1-octanone) thieno[3,4-b]thiophene were added to a reaction flask containing 10 mL of dry tetrahydrofuran, i.e. a reaction flask containing 10 mL of dry tetrahydrofuran or a reaction flask containing 10 mL of tetrahydrofuran via dry treatment, the reaction mixture was stirred under a stream of nitrogen for 15 minutes, and a catalyst of 14 mg (0.015 mmol, 3% mol) of Pd₂(dba)₃ and 68 mg (0.225 mmol) of P(o-Tol)₃ was added rapidly to the reaction flask; wherein a molar ratio of Pd₂(dba)₃ and P(o-Tol)₃ was 1:15. After the reaction mixture was stirred under a stream of nitrogen for 15 minutes, the reaction mixture was heated to 60° C. for refluxing, and stirred for 60 hours then the reaction was stopped, after the reaction solution was cooled to room temperature, the reaction solution was dried to about 5 mL via reduced pressure distillation, then dropped into 300 mL of dry methanol, and continuously stirred for about 4 hours, a solid was gradually precipitated, a solid powder was obtained via suction filtration and dry. The solid powder was dissolved with chloroform, purified by neutral alumina column chromatography to remove the catalyst of Pd₂(dba)₃, the polymer solution was evaporated to about 5 mL, and the 5 mL solution was dropped into a methanol solvent and stirred for several hours, finally a polymer was collected and dried, the polymer was extracted with Soxhlet extractor, thus the monodispersity of the polymer molecular weight was improved.

GPC: Mn=57420, PDI=1.8.

Example 3

A benzodithiophene based copolymer containing thieno[3,4-b]thiophene units having a following structural formula is provided:

wherein R₁ is 16 alkyl, R₂ is H, R₃ is methoxyl; R₄ is H, R₅ is methyl, n=35.

Step one, the preparation of 2,5-dimethoxybenzene-7,9-bis(4-hexadecyl-5-trimethyltin-2-thiophene)-8H-cyclopentadiene benzo[1,2-b:4,3-b′]dithiophene-8-ketone was described below:

The synthesis method was referred to the steps one to four of Example 1.

MALDI-TOF-MS (m/z): 1241 (M⁺).

Step two, the preparation of benzodithiophene based copolymer containing thieno[3,4-b]thiophene units was described below:

Under a nitrogen atmosphere, 0.74 g (0.6 mmol) of 2,5-dimethoxybenzene-7,9-bis(4-hexadecyl-5-trimethyltin-2-thiophene)-8H-cyclopentadiene benzo[1,2-b:4,3-b′]dithiophene-8-ketone and 0.17 g (0.5 mmol) of 4,6-dibromo-2-(ethane-1-ketone) thieno[3,4-b]thiophene were added to a reaction flask containing 10 mL of dry DMF, the reaction mixture was stirred under a stream of nitrogen for 15 minutes, and a catalyst of Pd₂(dba)₃ and P(o-Tol)₃ was added rapidly to the reaction flask; wherein the Pd₂(dba)₃ was 0.046 mg (0.00005 mmol, 0.01% mol), the P(o-Tol)₃ was 0.0304 mg (0.0001 mmol), a molar ratio of Pd₂(dba)₃ and P(o-Tol)₃ was 1:2. After the reaction mixture was stirred under a stream of nitrogen for 15 minutes, the reaction mixture was heated to 120° C. for refluxing, and stirred for 48 hours then the reaction was stopped, after the reaction solution was cooled to room temperature, the reaction solution was dried to about 5 mL via reduced pressure distillation, then dropped into 300 mL of dry methanol and continuously stirred for about 4 hours, a solid was gradually precipitated, a solid powder was obtained via suction filtration and dry. The solid powder was dissolved with chloroform, purified by neutral alumina column chromatography to remove the catalyst of Pd₂(dba)₃, the polymer solution was evaporated to about 5 mL, then the 5 mL solution was dropped into a methanol solvent and stirred for several hours, finally a polymer was collected and dried, the polymer was extracted with Soxhlet extractor, thus the monodispersity of the polymer molecular weight was improved.

GPC: Mn=38290, PDI=1.8.

Example 4

A benzodithiophene based copolymer containing thieno[3,4-b]thiophene units having a following structural formula is provided:

wherein R₁ is H, R₂ is methyl, R₃ is 16 alkoxy; R₄ is H, R₅ is butyl, n=30.

Step one, the preparation of 2,5-di(hexadecyloxy)-7,9-bis(3-methyl-5-trimethyltin-2-thiophene)-8H-cyclopentadiene benzo[1,2-b:4,3-b′]dithiophene-8-ketone was described below:

The synthesis method was referred to the steps one to four of Example 1.

MALDI-TOF-MS (m/z): 1241 (M⁺).

Step two, the preparation of benzodithiophene based copolymer containing thieno[3,4-b]thiophene units was described below:

Under a nitrogen atmosphere, 0.62 g (0.5 mmol) of 2,5-di(hexadecyloxy)-7,9-bis(3-methyl-5-trimethyltin-2-thiophene)-8H-cyclopentadiene benzo[1,2-b:4,3-b′]dithiophene-8-ketone and 0.19 g (0.5 mmol) of 4,6-dibromo-2-(1-pentanone) thieno[3,4-b]thiophene were added to a reaction flask containing 10 mL of dry DMF, the reaction mixture was stirred under a stream of nitrogen for 15 minutes, and a catalyst of 0.046 mg (0.00005 mmol, 0.01% mol) of Pd₂(dba)₃ and 0.0304 mg (0.0001 mmol) of P(o-Tol)₃ was added rapidly to the reaction flask; wherein a molar ratio of Pd₂(dba)₃ and P(o-Tol)₃ was 1:2. After the reaction mixture was stirred under a stream of nitrogen for 15 minutes, the reaction mixture was heated to 120° C. for refluxing, and stirred for 48 hours then the reaction was stopped, after the reaction solution was cooled to room temperature, the reaction solution was dried to about 5 mL via reduced pressure distillation, then dropped into 300 mL of dry methanol, and continuously stirred for about 4 hours, a solid was gradually precipitated, a solid powder was obtained via suction filtration and dry. The solid powder was dissolved with chloroform, purified by neutral alumina column chromatography to remove the catalyst of Pd₂(dba)₃, the polymer solution was evaporated to about 5 mL, then the 5 mL solution was dropped into a methanol solvent and stirred for several hours, finally a polymer was collected and dried, the polymer was extracted with Soxhlet extractor, thus the monodispersity of the polymer molecular weight was improved.

GPC: Mn=34080, PDI=1.8.

Example 5

A benzodithiophene based copolymer containing thieno[3,4-b]thiophene units having a following structural formula is provided:

wherein R₁ and R₂ are identical methyl, R₃ is 16 alkoxy; R₄ is H, R₅ is butyl, n=20.

Step one, the preparation of 2,5-di(hexadecyl)-7,9-bis(3,4-dimethyl-5-trimethyltin-2-thiophene)-8H-cyclopentadiene benzo[1,2-b:4,3-b′]dithiophene-8-ketone was described below:

The synthesis method was referred to the steps one to four of Example 1.

MALDI-TOF-MS (m/z): 1237 (M⁺).

Step two, the preparation of benzodithiophene based copolymer containing thieno[3,4-b]thiophene units was described below:

Under a nitrogen atmosphere, 0.62 g (0.5 mmol) of 2,5-di(hexadecyloxy)-7,9-bis(3,4-dimethyl-5-trimethyltin-2-thiophene)-8H-cyclopentadiene benzo[1,2-b:4,3-b′]dithiophene-8-ketone and 0.19 g (0.5 mmol) of 4,6-dibromo-2-(1-pentanone) thieno[3,4-b]thiophene were added to a reaction flask containing 10 mL of dry benzene, the reaction mixture was stirred under a stream of nitrogen for 15 minutes, and a catalyst of 28.9 mg (0.025 mmol, 0.5% mol) of tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium was added rapidly to the reaction flask. After the reaction mixture was stirred under a stream of nitrogen for 15 minutes, the reaction mixture was heated to 80° C. for refluxing, and stirred for 24 hours then the reaction was stopped, after the reaction solution was cooled to room temperature, the reaction solution was dried to about 5 mL via reduced pressure distillation, then dropped into 300 mL of dry methanol, and continuously stirred for about 4 hours, a solid was gradually precipitated, a solid powder was obtained via suction filtration and dry. The solid powder was dissolved with chloroform, purified by neutral alumina column chromatography to remove the catalyst of tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium, the polymer solution was evaporated to about 5 mL, and the 5 mL solution was dropped into a methanol solvent and stirred for several hours, finally a polymer was collected and dried, the polymer was extracted with Soxhlet extractor, thus the monodispersity of the polymer molecular weight was improved.

GPC: Mn=22640, PDI=2.2.

Example 6

A benzodithiophene based copolymer containing thieno[3,4-b]thiophene units having a following structural formula is provided:

wherein R₁ and R₂ are identical H, R₃ is hexyl; R₄ is H, R₅ is butyl, n=15.

Step one, the preparation of 2,5-dihexyl-7,9-bis(5-trimethyltin-2-thiophene)-8H-cyclopentadiene benzo[1,2-b:4,3-b′]dithiophene-8-ketone was described below:

The synthesis method was referred to the steps one to four of Example 1.

MALDI-TOF-MS (m/z): 900 (M⁺).

Step two, the preparation of benzodithiophene based copolymer containing thieno[3,4-b]thiophene units was described below:

Under a nitrogen atmosphere, 0.45 g (0.5 mmol) of 2,5-dihexyl-7,9-bis(5-trimethyltin-2-thiophene)-8H-cyclopentadiene benzo[1,2-b:4,3-b′]dithiophene-8-ketone and 0.19 g (0.5 mmol) of 4,6-dibromo-2-(1-pentanone) thieno[3,4-b]thiophene were added to a reaction flask containing 10 mL of dry methylbenzene, the reaction mixture was stirred under a stream of nitrogen for 15 minutes, and a catalyst of 3.5 mg (0.005 mmol, 1% mol) of Pd(PPh₃)₂Cl₂ was added rapidly to the reaction flask. After the reaction mixture was stirred under a stream of nitrogen for 15 minutes, the reaction mixture was heated to 110° C. for refluxing, and stirred for 24 hours then the reaction was stopped, after the reaction solution was cooled to room temperature, the reaction solution was dried to about 5 mL via reduced pressure distillation, then dropped into 300 mL of dry methanol, and continuously stirred for about 4 hours, a solid was gradually precipitated, a solid powder was obtained via suction filtration and dry. The solid powder was dissolved with chloroform, purified by neutral alumina column chromatography to remove the catalyst of Pd(PPh₃)₂Cl₂, the polymer solution was evaporated to about 5 mL, and the 5 mL solution was dropped into a methanol solvent and stirred for several hours, finally a polymer was collected and dried, the polymer was extracted with Soxhlet extractor, thus the monodispersity of the polymer molecular weight was improved.

GPC: Mn=11925, PDI=2.2.

Example 7

A benzodithiophene based copolymer containing thieno[3,4-b]thiophene units having a following structural formula is provided:

wherein R₁ and R₂ are identical H, R₃ is methyl; R₄ is H, R₅ is butyl, n=10.

Step one, the preparation of 2,5-dimethyl-7,9-bis(5-trimethyltin-2-thiophene)-8H-cyclopentadiene benzo[1,2-b:4,3-b′]dithiophene-8 ketone was described below:

The synthesis method was referred to the steps one to four of Example 1.

MALDI-TOF-MS (m/z): 760 (M⁺).

Step two, the preparation of benzodithiophene based copolymer containing thieno[3,4-b]thiophene units was described below:

Under a nitrogen atmosphere, 0.38 g (0.5 mmol) of 2,5-dimethyl-7,9-bis(5-trimethyltin-2-thiophene)-8H-cyclopentadiene benzo[1,2-b:4,3-b′]dithiophene-8-ketone and 0.19 g (0.5 mmol) of 4,6-dibromo-2-(1-pentanone) thieno[3,4-b]thiophene were added to a reaction flask containing 10 mL of dry methylbenzene, the reaction mixture was stirred under a stream of nitrogen for 15 minutes, and a catalyst of 11.6 mg (0.01 mmol, 2% mol) of tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium was added rapidly to the reaction flask. After the reaction mixture was stirred under a stream of nitrogen for 15 minutes, the reaction mixture was heated to 110° C. for refluxing, and stirred for 24 hours then the reaction was stopped, after the reaction solution was cooled to room temperature, the reaction solution was dried to about 5 mL via reduced pressure distillation, then dropped into 300 mL of dry methanol, and continuously stirred for about 4 hours, a solid was gradually precipitated, a solid powder was obtained via suction filtration and dry. The solid powder was dissolved with chloroform, purified by neutral alumina column chromatography to remove the catalyst of tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium, the polymer solution was evaporated to about 5 mL, and the 5 mL solution was dropped into a methanol solvent and stirred for several hours, finally a polymer was collected and dried, the polymer was extracted with Soxhlet extractor, thus the monodispersity of the polymer molecular weight was improved.

GPC: Mn=6550, PDI=2.2.

Example 8

A benzodithiophene based copolymer containing thieno[3,4-b]thiophene units having a following structural formula is provided:

wherein R₁ and R₂ are identical H, R₃ and R₄ are identical H, R₅ is butyl, n=8.

Step one, the preparation of 7,9-bis(5-trimethyltin-2-thiophene)-8H-cyclopentadiene benzo[1,2-b:4,3-b′]dithiophene-8-ketone was described below:

The synthesis method was referred to the steps one to four of Example 1.

MALDI-TOF-MS (m/z): 732 (M⁺).

Step two, the preparation of benzodithiophene based copolymer containing thieno[3,4-b]thiophene units was described below:

Under a nitrogen atmosphere, 0.37 g (0.5 mmol) of 7,9-bis(5-trimethyltin-2-thiophene)-8H-cyclopentadiene benzo[1,2-b:4,3-b′]dithiophene-8-ketone and 0.19 g (0.5 mmol) of 4,6-dibromo-2-(1-pentanone) thieno[3,4-b]thiophene were added to a reaction flask containing 10 mL of dry benzene, the reaction mixture was stirred under a stream of nitrogen for 15 minutes, and a catalyst of 0.29 mg (0.00025 mmol, 0.05% mol) of tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium was added rapidly to the reaction flask. After the reaction mixture was stirred under a stream of nitrogen for 15 minutes, the reaction mixture was heated to 80° C. for refluxing, and stirred for 12 hours then the reaction was stopped, after the reaction solution was cooled to room temperature, the reaction solution was dried to about 5 mL via reduced pressure distillation, then dropped into 300 mL of dry methanol, and continuously stirred for about 4 hours, a solid was gradually precipitated, a solid powder was obtained via suction filtration and dry. The solid powder was dissolved with chloroform, purified by neutral alumina column chromatography to remove the catalyst of tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium, the polymer solution was evaporated to about 5 mL, and the 5 mL solution was dropped into a methanol solvent and stirred for several hours, finally a polymer was collected and dried, the polymer was extracted with Soxhlet extractor, thus the monodispersity of the polymer molecular weight was improved.

GPC: Mn=5016, PDI=2.3.

The present invention also provides uses of benzodithiophene based copolymer containing thieno[3,4-b]thiophene units according to any of the above embodiment in polymer solar cell, polymer organic electroluminescent devices, polymer organic field effect transistors, polymer organic optical storage, polymer organic non-linear devices, or polymer organic laser. Several specific examples are given as follow.

Example 9

An organic solar cell device is provided using the copolymer of Example 1, i.e. the benzodithiophene based copolymer containing thieno[3,4-b]thiophene units is used as an active layer material, the structure of the organic solar cell device is shown in FIG. 1.

Preparation of the organic solar cell device: the structure of the device was: glass/ITO/PEDOT:PSS/active layer /Al, wherein the ITO (indium tin oxide) was the indium tin oxide with a sheet resistance of 10 to 20 Ω/sq, PEDOT was poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene), PSS was poly(styrene sulfonic acid); ITO glass was cleaned by ultrasonic, treated with an oxygen-Plasma, and then the ITO glass was spin-coated with PEDOT:PSS. The copolymer of Example 1 was used as electron donor material and PCBM was used as the electron acceptor material, which was coated by spin-coating, the metal aluminum electrode was prepared by vacuum deposition techniques, the organic solar cell device was thus obtained.

Example 10

An organic electroluminescent device is provided using the copolymer of Example 2, i.e. the benzodithiophene based copolymer containing thieno[3,4-b]thiophene units is used as an active layer material, the structure of the organic electroluminescent device is shown in FIG. 2.

Preparation of the organic electroluminescent device: the structure of the device was: ITO/copolymers of the present invention/LiF/Al, an indium tin oxide (ITO) with a sheet resistance of 10 to 20 Ω/sq was deposited on a glass to form a transparent anode, a layer of the copolymer of Example 2 was prepared on the ITO by spin-coating to form a luminescent layer, LiF was deposited on the luminescent layer by evaporation to form a buffer layer, finally, the metal Al was deposited on the buffer layer by vacuum evaporation to form the cathode of the device.

Example 11

An organic field effect transistor is provided using the copolymer of Example 3, i.e. the benzodithiophene based copolymer containing thieno[3,4-b]thiophene units is used as an organic semiconductor material, the structure of the organic field effect transistor is shown in FIG. 3.

Preparation of the organic field effect transistors: a heavily doped silicon (Si) wafer was used as substrate, an SiO₂ layer with a thick of 450 nm was used as an insulating layer, a source electrode (S) and a drain electrode (D) were made of gold, the copolymers of Example 3 was an organic semiconductor layer, which was spin-coated onto the SiO₂ layer modified with octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS).

Applicant believes that, according to this description, those skilled in the art are sufficient to understand how to implement the invention, and assess the context defined by the claims may be implemented with the effect, those skilled in the art can determine and prove the benzodithiophene based copolymer containing thieno[3,4-b]thiophene units may be applied in the uses.

It should be understood that the preferred specific embodiments are specific and detailed, and should not be interpreted as limitations to the scope of the invention, as defined by the appended claims. 

1. A benzodithiophene based copolymer containing thieno[3,4-b]thiophene units, having a structural formula:

wherein R₁ and R₂ are selected from the group consisting of H, and C₁ to C₁₆ alkyl, respectively; R₃ and R₄ are selected from the group consisting of H, C₁ to C₁₆ alkyl, C₁ to C₁₆ alkoxy, and thienyl substituted by C₁ to C₁₆ alkyl, respectively; R₅ is C₁ to C₁₆ alkyl; n is a natural number from 7 to
 80. 2. The benzodithiophene based copolymer according to claim 1, wherein the alkyl is a linear alkyl or branched alkyl; the alkoxy is a linear alkoxy or branched alkoxy.
 3. The benzodithiophene based copolymer according to claim 2, wherein n is a natural number from 8 to
 60. 4. The benzodithiophene based copolymer according to claim 3, wherein R₁ is the same as R₂, and/or R₃ is the same as R₄.
 5. The benzodithiophene based copolymer according to claim 3, wherein R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄ and R₅ are selected from a combination of: R₁ and R₂ are H, R₃ and R₄ are methyl, R₅ is n-butyl; or R₁, R₂, R₃, and R₄ are H, R₅ is methyl; or R₁ is ethyl, R₂ is pentyl, R₃ is H, R₄ is 3-methyl thienyl, R₅ is 2-methyl butyl; or R₁ and R₂ are identical propyl, R₃ is 12 alkyl, R₄ is ethoxyl, R₅ is 2,4-dimethyl-3-ethyl heptyl; or R₁ is butyl, R₂ is 12 alkyl, R₃ is 14 alkoxy, R₄ is octyl, R₅ is 2,2,4-trimethyl pentyl; or R₁ and R₂ are identical H, R₃ is octoxy, R₄ is H, R₅ is 16 alkyl; or R₁ is hexyl, R₂ is H, R₃ is 2-methyl thienyl, R₄ is H, R₅ is octyl; or R₁ is 16 alkyl, R₂ is H, R₃ is methoxyl, R₄ is H, R₅ is methyl; or R₁ is H, R₂ is methyl, R₃ is 16 alkoxy, R₄ is H, R₅ is butyl; or R₁ and R₂ are identical methyl, R₃ is 16 alkoxy, R₄ is H, R₅ is butyl; or R₁ and R₂ are identical H, R₃ is hexyl, R₄ is H, R₅ is butyl; or R₁ and R₂ are identical H, R₃ is methyl, R₄ is H, R₅ is butyl; or R₁ and R₂ are identical H, R₃ and R₄ are identical H, R₅ is butyl.
 6. A method for preparing a benzodithiophene based copolymer containing thieno[3,4-b]thiophene units, comprising the steps of: adding M1 and M2 to a solvent in an oxygen-free environment;

performing a refluxing reaction in the presence of catalyst; the reaction formula is as follows:

wherein R₁ and R₂ are selected from the group consisting of H, and C₁ to C₁₆ alkyl, respectively; R₃ and R₄ are selected from the group consisting of H, C₁ to C₁₆ alkyl, C₁ to C₁₆ alkoxy, and thienyl substituted by C₁ to C₁₆ alkyl, respectively; R₅ is C₁ to C₁₆ alkyl; n is a natural number from 7 to 80; a molar ratio between M1 and M2 is 1:1 to 1.5:1; the solvent is at least one selected from the group consisting of toluene, tetrahydrofuran, benzene, and N,N-dimethylformamide; the catalyst is organic palladium or a mixture of organic palladium and organic phosphine ligand, a molar amount of the catalyst is 0.01% to 5% of the molar amount of the M2; the organic palladium is Pd₂(dba)₃, Pd(PPh₃)₄ or Pd(PPh₃)₂Cl₂, a molar ratio between the organic palladium and the organic phosphine ligand in the mixture is 1:2 to 1:20; the organic phosphine ligand is P(o-Tol)₃ or tricyclohexylphosphine; the reaction is performed at a temperature ranging from 60° C. to 120° C. for 12 to 72 hours.
 7. The method according to claim 6, wherein M1 is synthesized by the steps of: S1, dissolving a compound A with a proper amount of dichloromethane to form a solution, under a nitrogen atmosphere, adding the solution dropwise to anhydrous dichloromethane containing 1,3-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide and 4-dimethylaminopyridine by a syringe; a molar ratio of the compound A, the 1,3-dicyclohexylcarbodiinide, and the 4-dimethylaminopyridine is 3:3:1, the reaction is performed for 8 to 24 hours to obtain a compound B, the reaction formula is as follows:

S2, adding the compound B and the compound C to a solvent according a molar ratio of 1:1, the solvent is ethanol or propanol; heating to 78° C. to 100° C. to perform a refluxing reaction, then adding a reducing agent, and reacting for additional 10 minutes to obtain a compound D, wherein the reducing agent is potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide, a molar ratio between the reducing agent and the compound B is 5:1;

S3, under a nitrogen atmosphere, dissolving the compound D to anhydrous tetrahydrofuran and cooling to −78° C.; adding an n-hexane solution containing n-butyllithium slowly, a molar ratio between the n-butyllithium and the compound D is 1:2.5; reacting under stirring at a temperature of −78° C. for 2 hours; then adding trimethyl tin chloride, a molar ratio between the trimethyl tin chloride and the compound D is 2.5:1; incubating for 0.5 hours and then returning to room temperature; and reacting for additional 24 hours to obtain the compound M1; the reaction formula is as follows:


8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the alkyl is a linear alkyl or branched alkyl; the alkoxy is a linear alkoxy or branched alkoxy, and n is a natural number from 8 to
 60. 9. The method according to claim 8, wherein R₁ is the same as R₂, and/or R₃ is the same as R₄; or R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄ and R₅ are selected from a combination of: R₁ and R₂ are H, R₃ and R₄ are methyl, R₅ is n-butyl; or R₁, R₂, R₃, and R₄ are H, R₅ is methyl; or R₁ is ethyl, R₂ is pentyl, R₃ is H, R₄ is 3-methyl thienyl, R₅ is 2-methyl butyl; or R₁ and R₂ are identical propyl, R₃ is 12 alkyl, R₄ is ethoxyl, R₅ is 2,4-dimethyl-3-ethyl heptyl; or R₁ is butyl, R₂ is 12 alkyl, R₃ is 14 alkoxy, R₄ is octyl, R₅ is 2,2,4-trimethyl pentyl; or R₁ and R₂ are identical H, R₃ is octoxy, R₄ is H, R₅ is 16 alkyl: or R₁ is hexyl, R₂ is H, R₃ is 2-methyl thienyl, R₄ is H, R₅ is octyl; or R₁ is 16 alkyl, R₂ is H, R₃ is methoxyl, R₄ is H, R₅ is methyl: or R₁ is H, R₂ is methyl, R₃ is 16 alkoxy, R₄ is H, R₅ is butyl; or R₁ and R₂ are identical methyl, R₃ is 16 alkoxy, R₄ is H, R₅ is butyl; or R₁ and R₂ are identical H, R₃ is hexyl, R₄ is H, R₅ is butyl; or R₁ and R₂ are identical H, R₃ is methyl, R₄ is H, R₅ is butyl; or R₁ and R₂ are identical H, R₃ and R₄ are identical H, R₅ is butyl.
 10. benzodithiophene based copolymer containing thieno[3,4-b]thiophene units according to claim 1 polymer solar cells, polymer organic electroluminescent devices, polymer organic field effect transistors, polymer organic optical storage, polymer organic non-linear devices, or polymer organic laser. 